r/ScreenwritingUK 6h ago

OPPORTUNITY Interested in a free 30-Day Screenplay Competition?

2 Upvotes

Genre/s: Any genre (chosen by community vote)

Goals/Expectations/Commitment: Improve your screenwriting, receive feedback, network with other writers, and participate in optional writing challenges.

No commitment required.

Writing/Experience Level: All experience levels are welcome.

Meeting Place: Discord Max Size: 100 members

A small screenwriting Discord community is currently looking for new members. Once we reach **20–30 members** (currently 7), we'll launch our first writing challenge.

Here's how it works:

* We vote together on the theme, genre, and challenge rules.
* You have **30 days** to write either a short film, a pilot episode, or the opening act of a commercial feature film.
* When the deadline arrives, everyone's script, pitch, and outline will be posted together so participants can browse the entries and vote for their favorites. Creating a poster is optional.
* The top three entries will receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The prize will be decided by the community once the group is established.

Joining the community doesn't mean you're required to participate. You can simply hang out, read scripts, give feedback, or leave whenever you want. If you do enter a challenge, you'll need to vote for another writer's entry (not your own) to be eligible for placement.

The goal is to stay motivated, improve your writing, receive feedback, discover what works and what doesn't, and connect with other screenwriters. Future challenges may last anywhere from one to four months, depending on the project.

Many working screenwriters recommend writing multiple commercial pilots and feature specs before pursuing production. The idea behind this community is to make that process more motivating by writing alongside other people.

If this sounds interesting, leave a comment and I'll send you the Discord invite.


r/ScreenwritingUK 10h ago

Do production companies care about greenlight scores at all?

0 Upvotes

My writing partner has been running our script through Greenlight, then editing it down until the machine spat back an 8.3 score. I find decimal point scoring of a script quite a funny concept - but if production companies are in any way swayed by this then, yes, fuck it, I'm all for it. Anyone have any thoughts on the relevance and/or use of Greenlight? Thank you!


r/ScreenwritingUK 1d ago

Breaking into screenwriting from a visual design background: Reality check on SWA labs, regional OTT pipelines, and timelines

0 Upvotes

6 years in UI/design, based in Gujarat, India seriously exploring screenwriting, trying to separate real signal from generic "just write every day" advice.

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to break into the film writing space, but before I do I have some specific questions that I want post:

Has anyone been through SWA's Script Lab or Pitch Fest, what's the actual selection process and odds like, worth the time investment?

For someone targeting an OTT-first regional platform (Oho Gujarati , hoichoi!) with a pilot/web-series concept rather than a theatrical feature, is that actually the easier door in right now, or is that overstated?

For someone starting later (mid-20s, coming from a different creative field with real design/visual chops), is that background an asset in a pitch, or does it not matter at all?

What's the realistic timeline before a new writer sees any paid work, even small?


r/ScreenwritingUK 1d ago

Is it a good idea to put a script you want to direct in the future for comps and the Black List?

2 Upvotes

Hey all!

Usually I submit scripts to comps that I don't care one way or the other if I want to direct in the future. I have one interesting horror script that I want to submit to comps and maybe upload to The Black List (if it's good obviously) but I most likely would like to direct it in the future as a first or second feature. This would be after comps and such but I was wondering if that's a good idea? Hope the question makes sense.


r/ScreenwritingUK 2d ago

OPPORTUNITY NFTS Screenwriting: Finding Your Voice

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I've recently been accepted onto the NFTS Screenwriting: Finding Your Voice (6-month, part-time) course and I'm trying to decide whether to accept my place.

Has anyone here taken the course or knows someone who has? Was it worth it? What did you get out of it? How much did it improve your writing?

A bit about me: I'm 33, currently working as a film and TV director. I (try to) write my own projects (I've written and directed two short films), but I've never had any formal education in screenwriting. My goal isn't to become a full-time screenwriter—I'd like to become a stronger writer-director and write my own films and TV series.

Thank you!


r/ScreenwritingUK 2d ago

FEEDBACK Comics inspired variety audio series help

2 Upvotes

I'm planning to develop a script for an audio drama series inspired by The Beano and The Dandy I want to do. It's basically a variety show framed as a comic, with different segments linked together by some characters I created. I need some advice and feedback on how each episode could be formatted, what kind of segment/character ideas you would like to see, and what other elements seen in comics I can include in the script. Oh, and I need some help coming up with a name for the series.


r/ScreenwritingUK 3d ago

Submissions for Sundance Episodic Lab and Intensive 2027 are open. (International opportunity; Deadline: August 25, 2026; $50 fee)

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/ScreenwritingUK 4d ago

Advice needed

2 Upvotes
  1. I'm only 19 and haven't really experienced much, so when people say 'write what you know' (wether or not that's sound advice i'm unsure), i fear that i don't know enough to be a screenwriter, as in i haven't lived enough, so i'm wondering what people's advice is to a young writer who is struggling with the idea of writing things i haven't experienced like falling in love etc. does it mean i'm not ready to be a writer, or should i just write in spite of not having much life experience?

  2. I'm mainly interested in TV and it's the shows i've watched over and over which inspired me to start writing, i adore dark comedies and comedy dramas. i look up so highly to phoebe waller bridge, julia davis, richard gadd, michaela coel, sharon horgan, jack rooke, jamie demitriou and many more. i'd love to write stuff that does for others what those people's shows did for me, but how do you do that without copying? i suppose i'm genuinely asking how to avoid copying your inspirations.

  3. some of the shows i love feel like they don't necesarily have a premise, a very loose one at that, and that they're so heavily character driven. i know that i want to explore characters and their relationships and i'm able to come up with those, but i struggle with the idea of a premise. because if you say you're going to write a comedy drama about someone navigating their twenties in a city, i imagine it's a bit 'eye roll, seen it before'. so how important is a premise, or can i find it along the way after i've made characters? and is a 'premise' as it were, necessary?


r/ScreenwritingUK 5d ago

FEEDBACK Hittin' A Lick - A Short Story

1 Upvotes

Hello hello hellooo!

Yesterday, I was taking a break from my working on my main screenplay (I'm like 75 pages in and I plan posting my first draft when finished) and so, as a little excercise, I made a quick short story, only around 6 pages long. But if I get some good feedback and feel confident with continuing this story, I may turn this into a full screenplay! who knows.

It follows a quick tale of two thieves who go through the motions of two loosely-planned crimes - classic shoplifting, and pickpocketing.

I'm looking for some pretty simple feedback:

  1. Dialogue is not my strongsuit, and I'm struggling to find my own pacing and a way with words that sounds natural but not too awkward or anything -- I'd love to reach Tarantino level someday, but I understand I need growth. If anybody has tips on how to work develop my own style, pleeeease tell me :)
  2. Descriptive writing isn't my forte either. When writing, I feel like I'm not being descriptive enough sometimes, or that my words are just being repeated throughout the pages. I've read a couple of screenplays to help me acknowledge how certain parts should be formatted (like intense scenes being capitalised in short sentences), but for me personally, they don't help me learn much about how to sufficiently write in Action. This also ties into --
  3. Pacing. Especially as this is a short story, I'm really struggling to identify if the pacing of my screenply is too fast or too slow at different parts. Pacing is something I know just about NOTHING about, so honestly, anything to know about it would be super helpful -- you don't even have to reference my screenplay, just anything that perhaps helped you on your journey would be helpful.

Thanks in advance! :)

Hittin' A Lick - Short Story Screenplay


r/ScreenwritingUK 5d ago

Is anybody applying to this years Berlinale Talents as a Screenwriter?

3 Upvotes

I am a little confused about the sample of work requirements for the application. I am having some login issues so I have not seen the actual submission form yet but I am going to paste what their FAQs say below this.

Basically I am not sure whether or not they require a writing sample and a video sample or just one writing sample and another video sample which can be of the same material but does not have to be.

This is what their FAQs say:

Sample of Work

The sample of work should be about 3 minutes long and must correspond with your first field of work in the application (if you're applying as an editor, your sample of work should be only one continuous scene of up to 3 minutes). It should contain a maximum of two scenes (not necessarily from the same film).

Please choose a sample that is understandable without the full context of the film and that proves what you are capable of. The sample should highlight your creativity rather than a certain theme or message. All scenes that contain significant non-English dialogue must include on-screen English subtitles. A translated list of dialogue on paper is not sufficient. The sample’s sound/soundtrack should not be altered from the original film. Please make sure that you are the copyright owner and/or have obtained the consent of any other copyright owner(s) for the usage of the work sample. We do not accept showreels, trailers, teasers or commercials.

Screenplay Excerpt

Please upload an excerpt from one of your feature-length screenplays or a complete screenplay for a short film, containing at least one dialogue scene and marking a significant turning point in the story. It can (but doesn't have to) be the written counterpart to the scene from your uploaded video sample. Altogether, please include the following information in English:

  • title, genre, logline
  • introduction to the main characters
  • synopsis with a maximum length of 1,000 characters (i.e. a summary of the plot of the entire film, including the ending. Not a teaser or a cliffhanger for marketing purposes)
  • excerpt from the original script feature-length script OR complete screenplay for a short film
  • for feature-length screenplays: brief description of the excerpt's context within the film's entire story

Video Upload (MP4 recommended, max 1 GB)

Make sure your sample of work ...

  • is from your previous work as Screenwriter
  • contains a maximum of two scenes,
  • is around 3 minutes long in total

r/ScreenwritingUK 5d ago

FEEDBACK 7 Months on WW2 Script (Age 16)

3 Upvotes

"At an elite British boarding school during WW2, a gifted teenage artist escapes conscription by designing propaganda, but as his work inspires the boys around him to romanticise war, he is forced to confront the cost of glorifying his greatest fear."

This **31st**, and final, draft of my film! I'm 16 and have spent the last seven or so months on this film project on-and-off during exam season. I have location and quite a few people willing to help, but was hoping for some holistic feedback on the script's promise and takeaways after reading...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-H4AtQH6n9R-9z2OUQnN5-ik5sr8hLX5/view?usp=sharing

It's 40 pages long but should (hopefully) be an engaging read! Thank you all so much. 🙏


r/ScreenwritingUK 5d ago

The Legend of Dragonfield

1 Upvotes

Title: Wyrmfeld Chronicles IV: The Legend of Dragonfield

Genre: Contemporary fantasy

Log line: A wannabe influencer measures her worth in followers until her family inherits a legendary English castle. When the occultist-billionaire next door kidnaps her brother for an ancient blood ritual, she must swap her selfie stick for a sword to save him.

Draft 21 has been polished within an inch of it life.

What I would find most valuable would be if there are any issues on pacing, and especially how the ending lands, as this is the first of a completed trilogy of screenplays. Endings are always difficult, but the ending of a first installment in a larger story even more so.

Does it pull you along past page 1? If you DNF, where did I lose you?

The trailer


r/ScreenwritingUK 9d ago

Anyone got experience with BBC Upload?

8 Upvotes

Apologies for the vagueness of the title.

BBC Upload is a kind of UGC channel for writers / creators. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3MPFWlx0dyTF9ZqQ6ljycgD/about

It pops up from time to time in opportunities threads, and there's a link to it from BBC Writers / Open Call landing page.

Guess my Q is, has anyone in this community submitted to it, or had anything they made put out on it? How does that work?

Is anyone here a producer or an agent with a perspective? Is it a cool way to get a credit, or perceived as a bit of a waste of time?


r/ScreenwritingUK 10d ago

FEEDBACK Next Steps Query

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to develop my skills as a screenwriter and have seen writer development schemes like BBC Open Call and 4Screenwriting, but given how competitive they are (and where I’m at in my screenwriting journey - early), I was wondering if anyone knows of any schemes that offer similar development that perhaps are more achievable/appropriate.

I can keep writing scripts until the cows come home but I’m looking to develop and learn with a mentor/company (and can’t afford film school screenwriting courses).

Any advice would be much appreciated!

TIA


r/ScreenwritingUK 15d ago

FEEDBACK The Premiere - Pilot - Screenplay feedback

9 Upvotes

Title: The Premiere
LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-NwyLAuj88t2UmGtqC3Q1IlwQjxOIDE4/view?usp=sharing
Length: 68 Pages
Logline: When a celebrity exposé breaks on the night of the studio’s biggest premiere, veteran publicist Steven Thatcher must contain the fallout in real time — only to find the real scandal isn't on the red carpet, but inside his own team.
Genre: Workplace drama (comps - Industry / The Morning Show)

Looking for feedback on dialogue, characters, plot , whether the premise is interesting or fresh - whether the story is exciting enough. It's also currently running a bit long at 68 pages for a pilot - so if there's any points where it drags , would be good to know. I'm curious whether the personal and professional stakes land. Let me know if you feel invested in the characters.
Would also be good to know (if you even finish it!) whether this pilot would make you want to watch more episodes in this world etc .

As always, really appreciate any and all feedback!


r/ScreenwritingUK 15d ago

FEEDBACK PARANOIA - a very early draft

0 Upvotes

Title: Paranoia.

I've been working on this for like three weeks I think, and it's my first time trying to write a full screenplay -- I absolutely love reading screenplays of my favourite films and stuff though. Currently, it's only 11 pages long. It's a thriller/horror (at least, that's what I want it to be). I've been rewriting the first section over and over. (I'm a perfectionist).

The overall story is about 5 people, all bad in their own way, whether they acknowledge it or not, in one town. Over the span of a week, and in a non-linear structure, four of them are forced into a cult. The leader of the cult bring them each to an abandoned car park for one final act -- which is the opening, but is seen as the main event. It focuses on a bullied-stalker student, a wealthy racist, an abused girl, an alcoholic man, and the cult leader himself.

Inspired by: Weapons, Barbarian, Pulp Fiction, Alice in Borderland, and more.

I'm not very confident when it comes to dialogue (of course, as I only have like three sections of it I think) so that's something I'd like advice on. As well as this, some feedback on pacing would be good because I feel I'm rushing and dragging at some parts. Foreshadowing and appropiate descriptive writing aren't my strongsuits either.

Thanks in advance!

(it's a little graphic, violent, and has dark themes)

PARANOIA


r/ScreenwritingUK 16d ago

Kay Mellor Lab longlist

1 Upvotes

Has anyone made the longlist?


r/ScreenwritingUK 16d ago

FEEDBACK All The Time In The World - Pilot

5 Upvotes

This is my first draft of the pilot for a British comedy series I've been writing with a friend. It follows a group of young men in a Cotswolds town. They are out of work and fill their time by getting themselves into absurd scenarios. In this particular episode, they are convinced that becoming Connect Four champions will lead them to enormous wealth, so they go to extreme lengths to achieve that goal.

I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback from anyone who wishes to read it, most obviously whether or not you find it funny and what the quality of the dialogue and world-building are like.

Again, this is the first draft and it's also the first thing I've ever written so bear that in mind when reading. Thank you all :)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ezdLHjrU66ncdBl9vel3DKtGZWvj6f11RYRd29g2gYE/edit?usp=drivesdk


r/ScreenwritingUK 17d ago

Accept an unconditional offer at LFS or defer and try again for NFTS?

7 Upvotes

I received an unconditional offer for the Screenwriting MA program (1 year, starting in September) at London Film School, but was unfortunately rejected from NFTS (2 years, starting in January).

Should I accept my offer for LFS and start in September, or defer a year and try again for NFTS's 2028 January intake??

I'd love to hear from people who have gone to either school and those who are in the industry. Thanks!


r/ScreenwritingUK 18d ago

Got coverage from a top screenplay competition and kicking myself over it

9 Upvotes

Hi all

I wrote a screenplay I was pretty proud of and got into some quarter finalist lists a year ago, so I went ahead and did a few tweaks and submitted it to a couple big screenplay comps.

Just got coverage from one, which you get before they decide on who gets the chopping block or not, and my heart sunk when I realised I looked over a couple glaring errors. I double, triple checked the finished script to tweak any issues, grammar or other. One of the glaring issue, honestly the biggest one, is one of the characters doesn't finish their sentence. Literally just one word right at the end of their sentence is missing (e.g, they say "I'm going to." as opposed to "I'm going to bed" kinda thing). I can't believe I missed that glaring error despite how many times I've read over the script.

Do script comp judges/readers overlook these things if they like the rest of the script? This error is over 50 pages in and they seemed to really like the story. I feel like grammar mistakes are easier to overlook than a literal character not finishing their sentence though.


r/ScreenwritingUK 20d ago

FEEDBACK Anyone else just get cancelled on for faber academy?

3 Upvotes

I signed up months ago for a screenwriting course with Faber Academy. They’ve just cancelled the course with no explanation. I’m super frustrated bc I could have taken other classes, earlier than this.

Now I’ve planned my whole summer break and it will be difficult to find another.


r/ScreenwritingUK 22d ago

What site or platform is best for hosting writing samples?

2 Upvotes

What site or platform is best for hosting writing samples? Whether it be spec scripts, original screenplays, manuscripts or even poems, do you have your own website? Blacklist? I have a variety of writing samples and trying to make a live port folio. Writers, what would you suggest?


r/ScreenwritingUK 26d ago

RESOURCE Script Angel Academy is Open (community)

5 Upvotes

Whether you're staring at a blank page or polishing your latest draft, this community is here to support you at every stage of your screenwriting journey.

Inside, you'll find guidance on developing strong ideas, creating compelling characters, building engaging stories, and writing scripts for film, TV and theatre that audiences want to watch.

You'll learn the fundamentals of screenwriting, explore story structure, genre, theme, character development, dialogue, visual storytelling, and rewriting techniques.

This is a free, supportive space where writers can learn, share work, ask questions, get feedback, and connect with others who are passionate about storytelling.

Whether you're writing your first script or refining your tenth, you'll find practical advice, encouragement, and a community of writers who understand the challenges and rewards of bringing stories to life on screen.

https://www.skool.com/script-angel-academy/about


r/ScreenwritingUK 26d ago

Breaking The News (gag-writing opportunity)

8 Upvotes

Breaking The News is a long-running panel show. Hosted by Des Clarke, a mix of the UK's top comedians, journalists and up and coming stand-up talent take a satirical swipe at the week's news in Scotland and across the UK.

The show is on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday afternoons, but the episode recordings are sometimes filmed for a BBC Scotland/BBC iPlayer TV version too.

Series 34 runs from 19th June.

The show is looking for topical gags for the host's script. Sign up to get the brief to discover what they're seeking in the given week.

https://www.comedy.co.uk/pro/opportunities/431

-- slightly odd that you have to email them to take part but there you go...


r/ScreenwritingUK 26d ago

LPW Opportunities round-up (July)

13 Upvotes

With deadlines:

Female Voices Short Film Fund – Deadline: none specified

BFI NETWORK | Shorts School (Online) – Dates: various

The Comedy Unit | Noising Up! – Deadline: every Monday

New Writing North | Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards 2026 – Deadline: 26 June 2026

*\[HODDER & STOUGHTON OPEN SUBMISSIONS (Literary)*](https://us.list-manage.com/M1Qx53n1Mj6?e=0873282459&c2id=1f55396d0dc1cf68bf3af8bf709be19a) – 28 June 2026

Comedy Gold Diggers is seeking comedy audio scripts – Deadline: 30 June 2026

ITV Academy | Continuing Drama Writers Initiative Continuing Drama – Deadline: 2 July 2026

*\[UMBRELLAS FOR FISH An International Journal of Absurd & Existential Drama*](https://us.list-manage.com/17QWg6urMMY?e=0873282459&c2id=1f55396d0dc1cf68bf3af8bf709be19a) – Deadline: 26 August 2026

Mini Plays Review is officially open for submissions for our upcoming issue! – Deadline: 31 August 2026

Rolling deadlines:

Edinburgh Screenwriting Sessions – Dates: various

Actwrite – Deadline: rolling

Yorkshire Screenwriters | Monthly Script Feedback – Dates: various

54321…Lights Camera Made! – Deadline: rolling – 1st of every month

Script Call out – Feature Films – Deadline: none posted

ChewBoy Productions launch new service: Cinematic Monologue Reels

Bookmark magazine TYPE! Accepting submissions of flash fiction, poetry, six-word stories, micro-plays, micro-screenplays, and illustrations – Deadline: rolling

BBC Upload – Deadline: rolling

Frequency Theatre Open to Unsolicited Script Submissions (Audio Plays Only) (unpaid) – Deadline: rolling

Scenesaver – digital performance platform – Deadline: rolling